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Hardware and software environment including interfaces
application spectrum
user interface
data integrity
functionality of GIS
integration within an existing environment
extendibility
It is a fact that the individual requirements of the organisation
are decisive for the judgement of any particular choice of the
system.
The requirements of the user can be described with:
easy use of the software
adequate user interface
usage in relation to various applications
optimised work process considering the components
human, work process, EDP
These points are driven largely by the human interface. An
easy understandable graphical user interface (GUT) with simple
dialogues and masks make usage simple. Regulations for input
and output and functionality for error detection during
parameter input increase not only the comfort but also help the
user to increase reliability. The GUI only presents items which
are relevant for current task. Typically a sophisticated GUI
guides the user through a work flow in a controlled manner
such that these is nearly no possibility of error. Vendor
provided GUIs should be viewed as such that they represent a
proposed GUI with additional tools to provide customised
GUIs.
A GIS consists of so many diverse applications, that no vendor
can provide a complete ‘CAD’ style turnkey approach. Each
special application requires an extended GUI. Therefore tools
to extend the system are imperative.
GIS as an optimal tool for management requires a large num-
ber of analysis functions and the overall inclusion of different
type of data. The data exchange between different systems
becomes more and more important. The following points
should to be considered in this context:
analysis of spatial, attribute and time data
integration of digital terrain models (2 or 2 % D)
integration of remotely sensed data
integration of digital photogrammetric data
inclusion of GPS
meta databases for overview and exchange of existing data
common data models for storage and the presentation of
topography and schematics
6.2 Killer criteria
The criteria of truth for reaching the objectives of a GIS
application is the user. Therefore the requirements for methods
to develop new software strategies have to be elaborated by
reaching the targets of the users.
Today, available GIS applications (starter kits) normally are
not process oriented. There are almost no planning and
maintenance modules available in the market. The applications
are dominated by simple database dialogues for creation,
modification, and deletion of data sets and simple routines for
generating graphical elements (areas, lines, points, symbols
etc.). Compared with commercial applications this would
indicate that instead of a program for billing or notices of non-
payment only the bill- and customer database is available in
combination with database tools.
To develop an application, which is acceptable to the end user,
so-called killer criteria have to be examined. These are
mandatory system requirements which must be fulfilled as a
precondition for the preselection process of selecting a system
(e.g. Gauss-Kriiger coordinates, seamless data integration,
Client-server aspects etc.).
The next step consists of the adjustment of the so-called frame
conditions. This relates to the compatibility with existing EDP,
‘operating systems’, supported data bases, interfaces and data
integrity.
The last step is the definition of the application spectrum and
the functionality of the GIS. An essential point of view is the
availability of existing applications (data and representation
models as well as human guidance).
7. Conclusion
In order to make the introduction of GIS successful, we
recommend a detailed organised definition of targets. The top
management should be heavily involved in the evaluation
process and the communication with the project team should be
very close. This leads not only to an overall accepted project,
but also a desire to reach strategic goals. Business and work
processes become shorter and more optimised. The organi-
sational structures become lean, work places and working
times become more attractive. The experts competence and
qualification will be increased.
8. References
Born, Jürgen: Die Umsetzung strategischer Ziele von
Versorgungsunternehmen durch die Einführung von GIS. Proc.
Europ. Conf. AM/FM/GIS; Heidelberg 1994.
Gause, Donald C. und Weinberg, Gerald M.: software
requirements: Anforderungen erkennen, verstehen und
erfüllen, München Wien: Hanser 1993.
Raasch, Jórg: Systementwicklung mit strukturierten Methoden:
ein Leitfaden für Praxis und Studium, Wien: Hanser 1991.
Steidler, Franz: Erfahrungen bei der Einführung von
Geografischen Informationssystemen (GIS) in komplexen
Organisationen, GIS 6/1994.
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXI, Part B6. Vienna 1996
